On the night of April 30, 2025, a violent shooting occurred on Alphonse Street in Rochester, New York, resulting in two individuals being injured. The victims were a 17-year-old female, identified as Danyelisse, and a man in his 30s whose name has not yet been publicly released. This devastating incident has led to the arrest of 18-year-old Michael Garcia, who faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault. The event has left the Rochester community in shock and has prompted a thorough investigation into the incident, with law enforcement working relentlessly to uncover the details surrounding the shooting.
At approximately 12:15 a.m. on April 30, 2025, the Rochester Police Department responded to a ShotSpotter activation and a 911 call reporting gunfire in the area of Alphonse and Thomas Streets. The officers arrived at the scene and found two gunshot victims. Danyelisse, a 17-year-old female, was located inside the residence at 17 Alphonse Street, suffering from at least one gunshot wound to her upper body. The second victim, a man in his 30s, was found on the front porch of the same residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to the University of Rochester Medical Center by AMR. While the male victim is expected to survive, Danyelisse remains in critical, life-threatening condition, with authorities working tirelessly to monitor her situation.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about gun violence and the safety of local neighborhoods. In response to the severity of the incident, the Rochester Police Department’s Major Crimes Section and Homicide Unit were immediately called to the scene. They quickly began their investigation and issued a county-wide BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for a suspect vehicle believed to have fled the scene. A police officer from the Village of Brockport, recalling a recent encounter with a similar vehicle, managed to locate it parked near a residence on North Main Street in Brockport. In collaboration with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the officers stopped several individuals leaving the apartment, which led to further developments in the investigation.
The situation escalated when the Rochester Police Department’s detectives secured a search warrant for the Brockport residence, which was executed by the RPD SWAT team. Inside the apartment, several persons of interest were found, and investigators recovered evidence directly linked to the Alphonse Street shooting. Following nearly 24 hours of intensive investigation, the RPD charged 18-year-old Michael Garcia of Rochester with several offenses. The charges included attempted murder (1 count), assault in the first degree (1 count), and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (2 counts).
Garcia was taken into custody at the Brockport residence, and he is scheduled to be arraigned in Rochester City Court on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. According to investigators, Garcia and several others went to the Alphonse Street residence to retaliate for a prior dispute involving one of Garcia’s associates and an individual linked to the household. During the confrontation, Garcia allegedly shot the male victim outside the home, while the 17-year-old female, who was inside at the time, was struck by a stray bullet. This tragic and senseless act of violence has left two families in despair, and the community of Rochester grapples with the aftermath.
The local community has expressed its deep sorrow and outrage over the senseless violence that continues to plague the area. As a result, the shooting incident has reignited the ongoing conversation about gun violence in the city and the broader issues that contribute to these tragedies. Local leaders and activists have called for increased efforts to address the root causes of violence, including poverty, lack of opportunities for youth, and inadequate access to mental health services. Mayor Malik Evans, along with other city officials, pledged to enhance community policing efforts and invest in initiatives aimed at preventing gun violence, with a particular focus on youth programs. “This tragic event underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat gun violence and support our young people,” Mayor Evans said in a statement to the media.
Community organizations in Rochester have mobilized quickly to offer support for the victims and their families. Local churches, schools, and support groups have come together to provide counseling and resources for those affected by the shooting. Many residents of the neighborhood have rallied around the victims’ families, offering prayers, assistance, and emotional support during this incredibly difficult time. A candlelight vigil is being planned in memory of the victims, and the community is coming together to ensure that the lives lost in this tragic event will not be forgotten.
The legal proceedings are just beginning, and many in the community are closely watching the case unfold. The investigation is still ongoing, and law enforcement is continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Detectives are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences in an effort to identify any further details that could assist in the investigation. While authorities have not yet revealed any additional suspects or provided a clear motive for the shooting, they remain committed to seeking justice for the victims and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Michael Garcia’s arrest has been a crucial step in the investigation, but authorities have indicated that the case is still very much active. As the legal process moves forward, the community of Rochester is left to reflect on the deeper issues that contribute to gun violence and the long-term effects such tragedies have on families and neighborhoods. The shooting has reminded many of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together to create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.
This case serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of senseless violence and the need for collective action in addressing the underlying issues that lead to such incidents. The grief felt by the families of the victims and the wider community is palpable, and it highlights the urgent need for continued efforts to prevent further acts of violence. As the investigation continues, the focus must remain on ensuring justice for those affected by this tragedy and on fostering a safer environment for all residents.
The Rochester Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their efforts to solve the case and bring those responsible to justice. Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Rochester Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 585-428-7157, Crime Stoppers at 585-423-9300, or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov. Public involvement is critical in solving this crime and preventing further incidents of gun violence in the community.
As this tragedy unfolds, it is clear that the path to healing and justice will be long and difficult. However, the collective efforts of the community, law enforcement, and activists will be essential in ensuring that the lives lost in this tragic shooting are not in vain. The hope is that through unity, understanding, and action, Rochester can take meaningful steps toward ending the cycle of violence that continues to plague neighborhoods and families alike.
The search for answers and justice continues, and as the investigation proceeds, the community stands together in solidarity, determined to make their voices heard and push for lasting change.
